Obi advocates holistic approach to insecurity, accuses Govt of being passive

By Okey Muogbo

Frontline Presidential Candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi has once again criticised the government’s passive and uncoordinated response to the nation’s severe insecurity problems.

In a recent post on his X account, titled “What Our Pervasive Insecurity Requires: A Holistic, Not Reactive Approach,” the former governor of Anambra State expressed his deep concern over the ongoing security crisis.

He pointed to President Bola Tinubu’s reported approval to recruit approximately 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State as a clear indication of inadequate leadership and a reactive strategy for addressing critical governance and security issues.

 

Obi drew a parallel between this approach and the abrupt removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the Naira, which he argued have inflicted significant and lasting harm on ordinary citizens and the national economy.

While acknowledging the importance of increasing security personnel nationwide, he stressed that such measures should be implemented through a more structured and carefully considered process.

 

The former Governor of Anambra State highlighted that insecurity is a widespread problem affecting nearly all 36 states, with Oyo, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Borno, Katsina, Anambra, Niger, Imo, and Sokoto experiencing particularly alarming situations.

He questioned whether approval for forest guard recruitment in Oyo would be extended uniformly to all states, totalling 37,000 guards across the 36 states and Abuja, or whether such decisions are arbitrary and dependent on the President’s disposition.

 

Furthermore, he raised concerns about the potential impact on existing security outfits, such as the Amotekun Corps in the South-West, which are actively working to secure the region.

Obi asserted that the pervasive insecurity is a direct consequence of systemic failures, particularly in leadership attributing the deaths of over 10,000 innocent Nigerians since 2023 and Nigeria’s ranking among the world’s most terror-affected countries to this leadership deficit.

 

According to Obi, effectively tackling insecurity necessitates a comprehensive, or ‘ecosystem,’ approach.

 

He concluded by stating that leadership failures lead to a breakdown in national unity, industrial development, the effective utilisation of the nation’s vast resources in agriculture, minerals, tourism, water, sports, and even oil and gas for revenue generation, economic growth, and crucially, job creation for the burgeoning youth population.

Obi expressed optimism that a new, prosperous Nigeria is achievable with right and capable leadership.

Gov. Ododo ‎inaugurates violent crime response unit, commends Police anti-crime war in Kogi

 

 

‎The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on Thursday in Lokoja inaugurated the Violent Crime Response Unit.

Ododo who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo handed over the newly constructed building for the unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command.

He said “this milestone reflects our administration’s unwavering commitment to the security and safety of every citizen in Kogi State and Since assumption of office, security has remained the cornerstone of our governance agenda.”

 

Ododo emphasize that without peace and order, no meaningful development can take place.

 

“In recognition of the Unit’s growing responsibilities and strategic importance in combating violent crimes, our administration deemed it necessary to provide it with a befitting and fully equipped operational base.”

 

The construction of the facility which was fully funded by the Kogi State government has been designed to support efficient policing and operational effectiveness. “It comprises ten well-equipped offices, four standard detention cells, a conference room, a control room, and enjoys constant electricity and power supply to ensure uninterrupted operations.”

 

In demonstration of this administration’s commitment to strengthening security infrastructure, the Kogi State Government has also provided the Unit with four Toyota Hilux operational vehicles, one Bullet-Proof Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carrier, and three Toyota Sienna vehicles.

 

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the security of our nation and his continuous support for the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.

 

The Governor pointed out that under his leadership, security remains a top priority, with deliberate efforts aimed at strengthening security institutions, improving operational capacity, and creating a safer environment for all Nigerians.

 

“We appreciate the President’s determination to equip and motivate our security personnel to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities. His administration’s commitment to peace, stability, and national security continues to inspire confidence and support across the country.”

 

Ododo also commended the state commissioner of police for the commitment of the Police force to reduce the crime wave in the state.

 

In his speech, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi Police command, CP Nazir Bello Kankara, said the Violent Crime Response Unit being commissioned was the brainchild of Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

 

‎He added that the practical demonstration by the team was a preview of what residents should expect as the unit begins operations against criminals and kidnappers.

 

‎The commissioner applauded the governor for paying utmost attention to protection of lives and properties in the state.

 

‎The Obaro of Kabba, Oba Dele Owoniyi, also commended the governor for supporting the Violent Crime Response Unit and applauded the Commissioner of Police for the initiative to combat crime in the state. Authority.

Bauchi: Farmers-herders clash claim 7 lives, 6 others injured, 50 houses razed 

 

The Bauchi State Police Command has launched investigation into a reported clash between members of the communities in Lanzai and Dosho of Darazo LGA, of Bauchi State, in which lives and property were lost.

A statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, said a report received on 4th June 2026, indicated that suspected fulani men attacked farmers who were applying local fertilizer on their farm at the outskirts of Lanzai community, in the area.

It said that in a reprisal attack, youths from the community mobilized and stormed Dosho village, a fulani settlement, where they set fire on the area, with about 50 houses razed, several household goods destroyed in the process.

The incident led to the death of 7 persons, while 6 others suffered various degree of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

According to the statement, tactical operatives were immediately deployed to the affected areas to restore law and order, prevent further escalation and commence investigations.

The violent crime response unit, VCRU, has been deployed as reinforcement to maintain peace, while patrols have been intensified in Lanzai, Dosho and adjoining communities.

“The commissioner of police, Mr Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed a thorough investigation into both the immediate and remote causes of the incident. He assured that perpetrators of the initial attack and those responsible for the reprisal will be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“He further appealed to community leaders and residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, reiterating the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, and ensuring justice for all parties involved,” the statement concluded. Authority.

Nigeria Volleyball Federation names new national team coaches

 

 

THE Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has appointed coaches for its senior, age-grade and beach volleyball national teams following a comprehensive selection and screening process.

 

The appointments were announced in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Chairman of the NVBF Media and Publicity Committee, Godspower Odedede.

 

Odedede said the appointments reflected the federation’s commitment to strengthening the technical development of volleyball in the country.

 

He said the appointments, approved by the federation, covered the Senior Men and Women teams, Under-19 Boys and Girls teams, Under-17 Boys and Girls teams, as well as the Beach Volleyball teams.

 

According to him, the appointments are aimed at ensuring adequate preparation for upcoming regional, continental and international competitions.

 

For the Senior Men’s team, Taiwo Oladipupo was appointed Head Coach, while Twevini Yohanna will serve as Assistant Coach I and Setters Coach.

 

Jonah Adamu was named Assistant Coach II and Offensive Coordinator.

 

In the Senior Women’s team, Elam Elishama was appointed Head Coach, while Segun Abinde will serve as Assistant Coach I and Offensive Coordinator. Sunday Akapson was named Setters Trainer for the team.

 

For the Under-19 Boys team, Adamu Nite was appointed Head Coach, while Ayo Aboderin will serve as Assistant Coach I and Offensive Coordinator. Philip Stephen was named Setters Trainer.

 

Vincent Unogwu was appointed Head Coach of the Under-19 Girls team, while Bukola Faremi will serve as Assistant Coach I and Blocking and Defence Coordinator.

 

Chinyere Onuoha was named Assistant Coach II and Offensive Coordinator.

 

For the Under-17 Girls team, Sunday Yunan Akapson was appointed Head Coach, while Jessica Egwuna will serve as Assistant Coach and Offensive Coordinator. Kinsley Alika was named Setters Trainer.

 

In the Under-17 Boys team, Suleiman Ajeigbe was appointed Head Coach, Ibrahim Adamu as Assistant Coach I and Offensive Coordinator, while Osas Omoruyi will serve as Assistant Coach II.

 

For Beach Volleyball, Mathieu Kayode and Felicia Amos were appointed coaches for the women’s team.

 

John Iwerima and Jonathan Thaj were named coaches for the men’s team.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NVBF has continued to organise domestic competitions and ensure Nigeria’s participation in continental and world championships.

 

Under the leadership of its President, Musa Nimrod, the federation has recorded significant progress in the development and promotion of volleyball at both continental and global levels. (NAN)

How Obi–Kwankwaso ticket could redraw 2027 electoral map in North-West Nigeria — Analysis

 

 

 

The defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) last month has reshaped Nigeria’s political contest, particularly in the North-west geopolitical zone.

This region has been a stronghold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), where it has won the presidential and most governorship elections since 2015.

The rapid realignment involving Messrs Obi and Kwankwaso thwarted the opposition’s initial grand plan to present a united opposition against President Bola Tinubu for the January 2027 presidential election. In April, opposition leaders made the “Ibadan Declaration” at an event hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and attended by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Messrs Obi and Kwankwaso, as well as other key figures such as Rotimi Amaechi and Aminu Tambuwal. However, the plan unravelled within a month under the weight of competing ambitions, mutual suspicion, and complex legal battles within the ADC.

 

Seeking a platform free of legal disputes and unopposed presidential and vice presidential nominations, Messrs Obi and Kwankwaso fled to the NDC, where the party’s founder and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, awarded them the party’s presidential ticket.

According to Kamilu Fagge, a professor in the Department of Political Science at Bayero University, Kano, Messrs Obi and Kwankwaso’s defection is a major setback for the ADC and the opposition generally, particularly in the North-west geopolitical zone. Culled from: reubenabati.com.

 

 

 

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Fagge noted that when major political figures announced the opposition coalition, it raised the prospect of a formidable opposition party emerging. With a fracture in the opposition ranks, he warned that Nigeria may see a reenactment of the 2023 scenario, in which three major candidates split the opposition vote.

 

Mr Fagge explained that while Mr Obi is likely to retain massive support from the South-east and Christian communities in the North-central, Mr Kwankwaso’s influence is largely confined to Kano.

 

“Most of Kwankwaso’s votes are concentrated in Kano,” Mr Fagge observed. “He cannot even pull a strong showing in neighbouring states like Jigawa, Katsina, or Kaduna; he simply won’t be a crowd-puller there. In states like Jigawa, where Mr Kwankwaso lacks popularity, the ADC is poised to increase its vote share.”

 

Mr Kwankwaso’s traditional stronghold has always been Kano, driven primarily by the youth who turn out en masse to vote, as seen in the 2023 elections. However, Mr Fagge argued that this youth base is now fractured.

 

Governor Abba Yusuf, a former protege of Mr Kwankwaso, has aligned with former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and other powerful political forces. This new alliance is expected to take votes away from Mr Kwankwaso’s traditional base.

 

Mr Kwankwaso, under the NDC, might still put up a decent showing in Kano, but it will not match his 2023 performance under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) because, unlike in the previous election, where various forces unified behind him, he now faces a multitude of new adversaries alongside his old political rivals.

Ultimately, in the North-west, the political landscape is shaping up to see votes split in three or four directions, making it exceedingly difficult for the opposition to achieve its goals. Mr Fagge believes that the ADC flagbearer, Atiku, stands a better chance of consolidating the northern vote and improving his numbers in the North-east, Northwest, and parts of the North-central.

 

North-west and the APC

Ibrahim Siraj, a political analyst from the Department of Mass Communication at Bayero University, Kano, noted that the seven North-west states have been a stronghold of the APC since the party’s formation. This dominance, he explained, is largely due to the enduring influence of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who hails from the zone.

 

Mr Siraj, a professor, pointed out that during the 2023 elections, both Mr Obi’s Labour Party (LP) and Mr Kwankwaso’s NNPP performed poorly in the North-west, despite the latter’s domineering influence in Kano politics. According to Mr Siraj, “This political dynamic is unlikely to change soon, as voters in the region still lack faith in either Obi or Kwankwaso, whether individually or collectively”.

 

In 2023, Mr Siraj noted that Mr Kwankwaso’s political clout did not extend beyond Kano State, while Mr Obi drew support only from the region’s Igbo community and northern Christian populations.

 

Despite the APC’s historical advantage in the zone, Mr Siraj said that support for President Tinubu is not guaranteed. He noted that the people of the North-west are currently bearing the brunt of the administration’s harsh economic policies. These policies, which the president frames as necessary reforms, have yet to translate into positive changes in the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

 

While the realignment between Messrs Obi and Kwankwaso could theoretically shake up the race, Mr Siraj suggested it might ultimately favour President Tinubu. However, the true measure of the president’s genuine standing in the zone will depend on a free and fair electoral process, he stressed.

“Also, President Tinubu stands to benefit from the formidable political structure the APC maintains in the region, with the party controlling almost all the state governments and holding the majority of seats in the National Assembly (NASS).

 

“Add to that the fact that there is no united opposition, as APC has succeeded in weakening and dividing them, thereby preventing them from presenting a single strong challenger,” Mr Siraj stated. “Atiku Abubakar may likely do well in the region, but if the 2023 experience is anything to go by, the opposition can hardly succeed with a divided house.”

 

The shifting tides of Kano politics

Mr Siraj acknowledged that Mr Kwankwaso remains a force to be reckoned with in Kano politics and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. However, he noted that replicating the powerful electoral showing of 2023 will be an uphill task for the veteran politician.

 

A central challenge stems from a political rift at the top of the state’s leadership, which has compromised Mr Kwankwaso’s formidable political machinery.

 

“First of all, we’ve been made to believe that he (Mr Kwankwaso) has parted ways with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who decamped to the APC,” Mr Siraj explained.

 

“In moving to APC, the governor might have eaten into Kwankwaso’s structure because virtually all the people working with him, from commissioners to advisers to LG chairmen, are from Kwankwasiyya.”

 

He stated that this internal shift has severely weakened Mr Kwankwaso’s grassroots mobilisation capabilities ahead of future elections.

 

“Many of them played a key role in 2023. Those people will not be available to work for Mr Kwankwaso again,” he added.

 

Beyond internal defections, Mr Siraj said Mr Kwankwaso now faces a formidable, unified opposition engineered by his former ally. Governor Yusuf has succeeded in rallying major political players across the state against his former mentor.

 

“Also, if you look around, you will see that there is an apparent gang-up spearheaded by Governor Yusuf, who has been able to forge a united front comprising all the bigwigs in the Kano political scene to challenge Mr Kwankwaso’s dominance,” Mr Siraj noted.

 

He added that geopolitical dynamics within Kano State seem to be shifting away from the Kwankwasiyya movement, limiting its influence to its traditional epicentre.

 

“Many people also believe that Mr Kwankwaso has lost control over Kano North and Kano South and that he’s left with only Kano Central, which used to be his traditional stronghold,” Mr Siraj added.

2027: INEC declares primaries held after May 30 invalid

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned political parties that any primary election conducted outside the commission’s May 30 deadline remains invalid, unless a higher court overturns an earlier Federal High Court judgment on the matter.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, made the disclosure in a chat with The Punch.

He advised that political parties would have to continue to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 pending the determination of the commission’s appeal before the Court of Appeal.

Haruna stated: “Obviously, for now, any primary held outside INEC’s May 30 deadline will be invalid unless the Court of Appeal overturns the Federal High Court judgment in INEC’s appeal against the ruling that the timetable breached the Electoral Act 2026 in some of its provisions.

 

“In other words, for now, the political parties are better advised to be guided by the existing Act.”

 

The INEC commissioner’s position follows the ongoing legal dispute over the commission’s timetable for party primaries and candidate nominations ahead of the 2027 general election.

 

A Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, in a judgment, had nullified aspects of INEC’s electoral guidelines and schedule put in place for the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

 

 

Justice Umar, delivering judgment in a suit filed by the Youth Party against INEC, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, held that the commission could not lawfully shorten the timelines provided under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 for the submission of party membership records and candidates’ particulars.

 

The court also held that INEC could not abridge timelines already provided under the Electoral Act 2026, noting that the electoral body acted outside its statutory powers under the Electoral Act 2026.

 

INEC subsequently filed an appeal and sought a stay of execution of the judgment, insisting that its timetable was issued in line with its constitutional and statutory responsibilities in the electoral process.

 

Before the court ruling, INEC had approved April 23 to May 30, 2026, as the window for political parties to conduct their primaries ahead of the 2027 general election.

 

The commission also directed parties to comply with other timelines contained in its revised election schedule.

 

Meanwhile, less than 24 hours after INEC appealed Justice Umar’s judgment, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja affirmed the powers of the INEC to issue and alter election timetables for the conduct of elections.

 

 

Justice Omotosho, while delivering judgment in a suit filed by the Social Democratic Party in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/720/2026, held that INEC was constitutionally empowered to issue election timetables and schedules of activities for elections.

 

 

The judge, however, held that while the commission possesses such powers, it must exercise them strictly within the timelines prescribed by the Electoral Act, 2026.

 

The development comes as the African Democratic Congress primary election appeals committee in Kaduna State ordered rerun elections in several federal and state constituencies following petitions arising from the party’s recently concluded primaries.

 

Chairman of the committee, Dr Muhammed Fagge, said the panel thoroughly reviewed petitions, documentary evidence and submissions by aggrieved aspirants before reaching its decisions.

 

According to him, the committee uncovered irregularities and fraudulent practices in some of the primary elections.

 

Consequently, the panel declared several primaries inconclusive and ordered reruns in constituencies where it found substantial irregularities, procedural breaches, the omission of aspirants from ballot papers and insufficient evidence that voting took place.

 

In the Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency, the committee directed a fresh primary after establishing that Ibrahim Kubau, a duly screened aspirant, was omitted from the ballot papers.

 

Similarly, it ordered a rerun in the Kaduna South Federal Constituency after investigations allegedly revealed a lack of credible evidence that elections were conducted across all wards in the constituency.

 

 

Fagge said rerun elections would be held in affected wards and constituencies across Kaura, Soba, Ikara, Kajuru, Badarawa/Malali, Magajin Gari II, Birnin Gwari, Tudun Wada West, Igabi, Kagarko, Kawo, Zaria, Chikun/Kajuru and Kudan/Makarfi, among others.

 

He said the decision was aimed at safeguarding the credibility and integrity of the party’s nomination process.

 

The committee also ruled on the Kaduna North Senatorial District primary, declaring that any attempt to adopt a consensus or affirmation process would be invalid unless it had the consent of all parties involved.

 

Fagge stressed that no aspirant should be denied a fair opportunity due to procedural lapses or electoral irregularities.

 

Haruna’s latest clarification on the INEC deadline, however, suggested that, pending the outcome of the appeal, political parties risk having any primary election conducted outside the May 30 deadline. Reubenabati.com.

Former Lagos Governor dragged to EFCC over alleged naira abuse

 

Controversial social media personality Daniel Regha has done it again. This time, he’s dragged former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode into trouble by reporting him to the EFCC for what he claims is a clear case of naira abuse.

It all started after a video of Ambode at his daughter’s wedding began trending online. In the clip, the former governor is seen in a joyful mood, handing out envelopes and spraying money as part of the celebration. Daniel Regha didn’t waste time.

He quoted the video and tagged the EFCC, reminding them that spraying naira notes is a punishable offence under Section 21 of the CBN Act 2007.

“Hello @officialEFCC, here to report a naira abuse case as a good citizen that I am,” he wrote. He added the popular line, “What is good for the goose is good for the gander,” before congratulating the couple. GWG.

NDC: Primary election results product of consultation, consensus

The Leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has stated that it’s primary election process was guided by consultation, inclusiveness, consensus-building and internal democracy.
Many aspirants had complained of marginalisation and deliberate compromise of the process to favour certain pre determined candidates and rejected the election results but in a communique issued at the end of it’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting titled “Understanding the Just Concluded NDC Primary Elections,” on Thursday, the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, said the NDC remained committed to its founding principles and rejected suggestions that candidates were imposed by the national leadership.
According to the party, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the NDC with an established leadership structure in the South-East geopolitical zone comprising respected elder statesmen and political leaders serving as caucus heads in their respective states.
The party identified the caucus leaders as former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, for Abia State; former Governor, Minister and Senator, Dr. Sam Egwu, for Ebonyi State; former Governor and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, for Enugu State; and former Governor and Minister, Chief Achike Udenwa, for Imo State. In Anambra State, the process was coordinated by Peter Obi’s political team.
The NDC explained that the caucus leaders were tasked with conducting consultations among stakeholders, building consensus and making recommendations based on the political realities in their states.
“These leaders were entrusted with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations to the party based on their understanding of the peculiar political dynamics in their respective states,” the statement said.
The party stressed that the process did not infringe on the rights of aspirants, noting that those who disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders were free to contest through the democratic process at the grassroots level.
According to the statement, the NDC National Secretariat neither selected nor imposed candidates on any constituency or state.
“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” Enekweizu stated.
He explained that all aspirants who approached the party were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders and grassroots members in their respective states as part of the nomination process.
The party also highlighted its commitment to affirmative action, saying it had taken deliberate steps to encourage and support women seeking elective office. It further disclosed that efforts were made to protect and support serving lawmakers within the party’s framework.
The NDC acknowledged reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves candidates and complaints from others regarding aspects of the primary process.
However, it said such issues had been referred to the party’s Appeal Panel and leadership for appropriate action.
“We are aware of reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves as candidates, as well as complaints raised by others regarding aspects of the process. These issues have been brought to the attention of the Appeal Panel and the leadership of the party and have been addressed accordingly,” the statement noted.
Following resolutions reached at the party’s recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the NDC said it would immediately commence a comprehensive reconciliation process aimed at strengthening party unity.
The party called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and other leaders to engage dissatisfied aspirants and members in the interest of cohesion and continued growth.
“We now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our esteemed caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion, and the continued growth of our party,” the statement added.
The NDC maintained that throughout the nomination process, its role was largely limited to receiving new members and aspirants, reassuring them of the party’s commitment to fairness, transparency and inclusiveness, and directing them to their respective caucus leaders for guidance and participation.
According to the party, the approach reflects its commitment to consultation, respect for established leadership structures, internal democracy and the collective pursuit of unity and progress.

Navy arrests, hands over suspected militant collaborator to DSS

 

 

The Nigerian Navy said it has handed over a suspected militant collaborator to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Calabar following ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within the Calabar waterways.

 

This was contained in a statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Information for the Nigerian Navy and released on Thursday.

 

According to the statement, the suspect, Mr Ime Edet Ekiko, popularly known as Pastor Ime, was arrested on 24 May 2026 by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY deployed at the recently established security outpost on Dayspring Island, Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State.

 

“The arrest followed credible intelligence linking the suspect to a wanted militant identified as Simeon, alias Papi, who had reportedly been operating within the Dayspring Island axis.

 

“Intelligence further indicated that the militant fled the area following sustained operational pressure mounted by NNS VICTORY and abandoned certain operational assets in the custody of the suspect before his escape.

 

“Subsequent investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly maintained regular communication with the fugitive militant and was involved in providing information on the movement and deployment of security personnel operating within the area.”

 

 

 

According to the statement, “Intelligence findings also linked the suspect to the concealment and custody of equipment believed to have been used in support of militant activities within the waterways.

 

“Further exploitation of the suspect’s mobile devices and interrogation established that he had maintained a longstanding relationship with the militant and had allegedly provided support over an extended period. Investigations also revealed that assets abandoned by the militant were being utilized by the suspect for personal business activities.

 

“Following the conclusion of preliminary investigations, the suspect was formally handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws,” the Service added.

 

Nigerian Navy said the handover represents another significant outcome of the ongoing security operations initiated by NNS VICTORY following the establishment of a forward security outpost at Dayspring Island in response to the rising incidence of kidnapping and other criminal activities within the Calabar-Oron waterways.

 

“The Nigerian Navy notes that sustained intelligence-driven operations and persistent presence within the area have continued to degrade the capabilities of criminal elements, disrupt their support networks, and enhance security across the waterways.

 

“The Service remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and their collaborators until lasting security is achieved and legitimate economic activities can thrive within the maritime environment,” the statement concluded.

 

 

 

 

 

Political Musing of Thursday:

 

Peter Obi: The people’s organic coalition

 

By Ike Abonyi

 

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success” – Henry Ford

 

The opening quote to this conversation by America’s foremost Industrialist and business magnate, Heny Ford aptly frames the craving in the current Nigerian political landscape. When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) seemed to undermine democratic principles, necessitating the political urge for his removal to safeguard the nation’s democracy, various strategies for achieving this have been emerging. It became clear that ousting a figure like Tinubu would require a united front, not merely vocal opposition. Consequently, the consensus was that only a broad coalition could achieve this goal. This understanding fueled the African Democratic Congress’s (ADC) efforts to unite opposition forces, with the experienced and still-active former Vice President Atiku Abubakar positioned as the central figure due to his age and experience.

Political leaders generally agreed on forming this umbrella organisation and began working towards it, with Abubakar expected to lead the coordination efforts due to his extensive background even though significantly he was not favoured by zoning, but was expected to provide the father figure for the embattled opposition team. Atiku’s refusal to play the fatherly role, opened the way for the disintegration of the opposition.

But beyond alliance therefore, fundamentally, what this conversation aims to achieve is to focus on the narrative of how Peter Obi stood firm where structural coalition failed.

Anyone familiar with African politics, especially Nigeria, where a formidable politician like Tinubu holds power, would anticipate significant challenges for the opposition. While this coalition was being formed, Tinubu actively worked to prevent any cohesive opposition from materialising. He achieved this by assembling his own coalition, leveraging the power of the incumbent, all office holders—national legislators and governors. He successfully brought governors, senators, and representatives, who hold sway over their constituents, into his camp through highly attractive, and almost irresistible offers. Indeed, no governor could resist the allure, not even Alex Otti, who won office on the populist wave of Peter Obi’s Labour Party and was poised for re-election.

Despite these advantages, nothing was left to chance. All viable opposition parties—the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—faced intense pressure that jeopardised their continued existence. Influential figures like Nysom Wike readily assisted in dismantling the PDP, mirroring Julius Abure’s actions within the Labour Party.

Even after opposition members from various parties attempted to consolidate within the ADC, further pressures led to the ADC now having three presidential candidates leading up to the January 16, 2027, election.

However, as both the ruling party and the opposition vied for dominance, the opposition faced internal disarray. Following a meeting in Ibadan where the opposition pledged to present a single candidate against the ruling party, their unity fractured. The PDP, which was intended to lead the coalition as the strongest and the former ruling party at the centre, now has two candidates, and the ADC, the supposed umbrella coalition, has three candidates, all seemingly aligned with the APC and Tinubu’s agenda.

Amidst this fractured landscape, one individual has emerged as the true opposition force that Tinubu and the APC should confront. Peter Obi, now representing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has consistently been the focal point for opposition consolidation. His enduring appeal stems from distinct strategic advantages, evolving voter demographics, and his unique communication style. Unlike traditional Nigerian politics that rely on patronage networks, Obi commands a highly motivated, organic, and largely self-funded voter base through his distinctive messaging.

The youth-driven ‘Obidient’ movement remains vibrant and resistant to conventional political manipulation. By aligning with Rabiu Kwankwaso and his influential Kwankwasiyya movement, Obi and his supporters have established alternative power bases and political platforms. Obi now serves as a direct link to an engaged, urban, and tech-savvy electorate that traditional party structures struggle to reach.

Obi’s national appeal was evident in the 2023 presidential election. The results of that cycle fundamentally altered how coalition strategists perceive electoral dynamics. Obi demonstrated that a third-party candidate could disrupt the established regional duopoly. By securing victories in crucial areas like Lagos State and parts of the North-Central region, in addition to his strongholds in the South-East and South-South, Obi showcased a broad geographic reach.

Any serious coalition strategist would recognise that a credible challenge to an incumbent administration, particularly one as robust as Tinubu’s, requires a candidate who has already proven their ability to garner millions of votes across different regions, making Obi the most logistically viable leader for an alliance.

Obi’s clear ideological divergence, resonating with the current national sentiment, has been a significant advantage. At a time of widespread public discontent due to severe economic challenges, Obi’s core political identity stands in stark contrast to the status quo.

The strategic positioning of Peter Obi within Nigeria’s opposition framework has become a critical factor in the lead-up to the next political cycle. The efforts to unify the opposition have shifted from structural alliances to a fragmented scenario, highlighting both the potential and the inherent difficulties in integrating a prominent political figure into a single front.

The attempts to forge a unified opposition platform against the ruling APC have involved various phases of strategic manoeuvring, formal agreements, and abrupt realignments. Obi officially moved towards a broader alliance by actively engaging with the ADC coalition. This platform was intended to merge the organic energy of the ‘Obidient’ movement with established political networks to create a formidable alternative. But Tinubu’s devious agenda and Atiku’s disproportionate ambition combined to frustrate it.

To address leadership concerns and foster trust among key opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar, Obi’s camp proposed a single four-year term limit, positioning him as a unifying transitional leader. However, despite this significant concession, persistent internal conflicts, legal disputes over leadership structures, and growing distrust within the ADC framework led to Obi’s withdrawal. He cited concerns about arrangements that appeared more like ‘power grabs’ than genuine ideological alignments.

Following the coalition’s inability to establish a forward-looking framework, Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso made a significant strategic move away from the fragile union. Having secured the presidential nomination for the newly prominent Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), this effectively signals a multi-faceted opposition strategy rather than a unified front, thereby reshaping the dynamics of anti-government voting blocs. Through this substantial structural shift, Obi has consistently aimed to steer the conversation away from conventional political bargaining, famously declaring his sole commitment to a ‘coalition against hunger and poverty.’

This path is undoubtedly arduous in an environment where political patronage is often driven by factors beyond selfless public service. But that notwithstanding, the recent obvious disintegration of the ADC after Peter Obi’s departure has undeniably revealed him as the primary opposition figure. Even the perceived gaps in Obi’s grassroots support are being effectively addressed by his securing Rabiu Kwankwaso’s political partnership. Indisputably, Rabiu Kwankwa is a political force with an established and influential presence in the North.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that political partnerships are inherently fluid and often susceptible to commitment issues, where uncertainty can derail negotiations. Unlike business ventures, political alliances are less bound by formal legal frameworks, meaning their success hinges significantly on the mutual trust and goodwill among participants which Obi and Kwankwaso as strategic politicians very well understand.

The rationale behind forming coalitions stems from the recognition that individual influence is insufficient to overcome formidable challenges. As Robert A. Dahl observed, ‘every ally is sometimes an enemy and every enemy is sometimes an ally,’ highlighting the complex and shifting nature of political relationships.

The International Coalition Framework posits that for a coalition to endure, a leading entity must demonstrate ideological strength over its competitors by fostering and expanding a shared vision, which is precisely what Peter Obi achieved with his ‘Obidient Movement and his mantra of shifting Nigeria away from Consumption to production.

This dynamic is vividly reflected in the current political realignments across Nigeria in anticipation of the general election. Peter Obi has emerged as a central unifying figure, and his alliance with Kwankwaso has positioned their bloc as a significant contender and topic of discussion for the 2027 elections, regardless of one’s perspective on the unfolding political landscape. Echoing the wisdom of Chinese General Sun Tzu, ‘If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the results of the battle ahead.’ Both Tinubu and Obi are very much abreast of their potentials as they take their case to the court of Nigerian voters. May providence guide and determine the outcome of the struggle.

Sunrisereporters.